P0016 on Subaru vehicles
Crank/Cam Correlation Fault (Bank 1 Intake) — what it means on a Subaru, whether it's safe to drive, and the fixes by model and year.
P0016 on a Subaru means crank/cam correlation fault (bank 1 intake). Most vehicles stay drivable short-term, but diagnose it promptly. The most common cause is stretched timing chain or worn guides (typically $800–$3,500). Pick your Subaru model below for its known failure patterns, recalls, and TSBs.
What does P0016 mean on a Subaru?
P0016 is set when the ECM compares the relative timing of the crankshaft and Bank 1 intake camshaft sensors and finds them more than a calibrated number of degrees out of alignment. This almost always means one of three things: the timing chain or belt has stretched or jumped, the cam phaser is mechanically stuck, or one of the position sensors is producing a bad signal. P0016 is one of the strongest early indicators of timing chain wear on modern engines.
P0016 is a standardized OBD-II code, so its definition is the same on every Subaru. What differs by model and engine is which cause is most likely — pick your Subaru model below for a diagnosis tuned to its known failure patterns, recalls, and TSBs.
Is it safe to drive a Subaru with P0016?
In most cases a Subaru stays drivable for short trips with P0016 active, but diagnose and repair it promptly. This is a high-severity code — ignoring it can lead to further damage or a failed emissions test. Exact tolerance depends on the model and engine.
What causes P0016 on a Subaru?
| Cause | Likelihood | Estimated repair (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Stretched timing chain or worn guides — Chain stretch is a well-documented failure on many 2010-2020 engines. | Most common | $800–$3,500 |
| Stuck or worn cam phaser (cannot return to base timing) | Common | $400–$1,500 |
| Failed cam or crank position sensor producing offset readings | Common | $100–$400 |
| VVT oil control valve stuck open advancing cam without command | Occasional | $100–$450 |
| Low oil pressure causing the cam phaser to drift | Occasional | $50–$200 |
| Tone ring slipped or damaged on the cam or crankshaft | Occasional | $300–$1,500 |
| Timing chain jumped one tooth after a tensioner failure | Rare | $1,000–$4,000 |
Repair costs are typical US ranges and vary by Subaru model, model year, and labor rate. A diagnostic trouble code is a symptom, not a guaranteed failed part — confirm the root cause before replacing anything.
P0016 by Subaru model
Select your Subaru model and year for a P0016 diagnosis tuned to that vehicle's failure patterns, recalls, and TSBs.
Subaru Outback
1,651 NHTSA owner complaints · 24 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Subaru Forester
765 NHTSA owner complaints · 17 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Complaint and recall counts are NHTSA totals for the model years covered on this site, not counts specific to P0016.
P0016 on other makes
Other codes on Subaru vehicles
P0016 on a Subaru: frequently asked questions
What does diagnostic trouble code P0016 mean on a Subaru?
P0016 is set when the ECM compares the relative timing of the crankshaft and Bank 1 intake camshaft sensors and finds them more than a calibrated number of degrees out of alignment. This almost always means one of three things: the timing chain or belt has stretched or jumped, the cam phaser is mechanically stuck, or one of the position sensors is producing a bad signal. P0016 is one of the strongest early indicators of timing chain wear on modern engines. P0016 is a standardized OBD-II code, so the definition is the same on every Subaru — which cause is most likely varies by model and engine.
What are the symptoms of P0016 on a Subaru?
Check Engine Light is illuminated. Hard cold start with long crank times. Rough idle and reduced low-end torque. Engine rattle or chirp on startup (chain slap). Mid-range power loss. Reduced fuel economy. Possible no-start if cam timing has slipped far enough
What causes P0016 on a Subaru?
Stretched timing chain or worn guides (most-common). Stuck or worn cam phaser (cannot return to base timing) (common). Failed cam or crank position sensor producing offset readings (common). VVT oil control valve stuck open advancing cam without command (occasional). Low oil pressure causing the cam phaser to drift (occasional). Tone ring slipped or damaged on the cam or crankshaft (occasional). Timing chain jumped one tooth after a tensioner failure (rare)
Is it safe to drive a Subaru with P0016?
In most cases a Subaru stays drivable for short trips with P0016 active, but it should be diagnosed and repaired promptly — this is a high-severity code. Ignoring it can lead to further damage or a failed emissions test. Exact tolerance depends on the model and engine.